Qatar has announced a new rewards program called “Beyond Business by Qatar Airways.” This isn’t a change to their existing Privilege Club loyalty program (which was significantly devalued last year). Instead, it is an entirely new Qatar Airways corporate program targeted at small and medium sized businesses.
What Is Beyond Business by Qatar Airways?
Beyond Business is a loyalty program made for companies with travel on Qatar Airways. Specifically, these are business clients that are not part of their corporate contracts. The program is now live for Europe and the Americas, with a global launch later in 2019.
As part of the release of Beyond Business, Qatar is also introducing a new currency, Qrewards.
Qatar’s incredible-lives-up-to-the-hype Qsuite.
See Also: Qatar Airways’ Qsuites Onboard The Airbus A350-1000
Earning Qatar Airways’ Qrewards
To earn Qrewards, a company representative must sign up for a Beyond Business account. Upon verification, the company will receive a membership number. Qrewards are only earned on revenue tickets on Qatar Airways marketed and operated flights. The earning structure is fairly straightforward.
- Up to $24,999 in spend: $1 USD = 1 Qreward (The “Elevate” Tier)
- $25,000-$99,999 in spend: $1 USD = 2 Qrewards (The “Accelerate” Tier)
Additionally, the company will receive two passes for any Qatar Airways lounge and two Silver tier Privilege Club memberships to any employee. - $100,000+ in spend: $1 USD = 3 Qrewards (The “Ascend” Tier)
Additionally, the company will receive five passes for any Qatar Airways lounge and three Gold tier Privilege Club memberships to any employee.
Qatar has even branded each level as status tiers, unlocking further Qrewards per dollar spent and small bonuses at the $25k and $100k levels.
Similar to other airlines’ corporate programs like American’s Business Extra and United’s PerksPlus, you can still earn mileage and status towards your personal accounts, in addition to the corporate earnings.
- Read: Here’s Everything You Need To Know About American’s Business Extra
- Read: Here’s Everything You Need To Know About United’s PerksPlus
Here’s what the world’s most fascinating CEO, Qatar Airways’ Akbar Al Baker has to say about the new Qatar corporate program:
As a carrier-of-choice for businesses around the world, we recognize the importance of a top-tier corporate rewards program. We are proud to introduce ‘Beyond Business by Qatar Airways’ as it allows small-and-medium sized enterprises to be rewarded for their business and enjoy industry-leading benefits.
Can you tell I love the Qsuite? TBD what the Qreward cost would be, however.
Redeeming Qatar Airways’ Qrewards
Qrewards can be redeemed on cabin upgrades, tickets, and more. (The “and more” part is directly from Qatar’s website, we’re not sure what else can be redeemed.)
Qatar’s Qrewards will have dynamic award pricing with last-seat availability. “Dynamic pricing” in airline pricing speak generally means redemptions pegged to a monetary value. While we’ can’t say what exact value can be extracted from Qrewards, we do know there’s a minimum spend to even redeem them. Qrewards can only be redeemed once you have reached $5,000 of spend with Qatar Airways within a one year period.
I signed up for a Beyond Business account to see what redemptions would be possible. Unfortunately, because I don’t have $5,000 in spend, I can’t search for anything. Lame.
Can’t see Qrewards redemption costs…
Furthermore, redemptions can only be on Qatar Airways marketed and operated flights. Qrewards earned in the current year are valid for redemption until the end of the following calendar year.
The Upshot
It’s easy to sign up for a Beyond Business account, even if you’re a sole proprietor. For businesses spending at least $5000 on Qatar Airways within a year, it’s a no brainer to create an account. I would be interested to see the redemption rates for Qrewards, but I’m not holding my breath considering the insane number of Qmiles you need to redeem with Qatar’s Privilege Club.
Nevertheless, I’m glad Qatar is trying to compete with the likes of British Airways and American with their own corporate rewards program. Now, on to changing up Privilege Club…
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